Letter: Volunteers needed for ride assistance

Saturday

Mar 31, 2018 at 2:01 AM

Approximately 56,590 our neighbors in Michigan will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Unfortunately, many of them will have trouble simply getting a ride to treatment. Volunteers can make a difference for these neighbors by serving as volunteer drivers with the American Cancer Society’s program called Road to Recovery.

In 2017, the American Cancer Society in Michigan received 18,297 ride requests and we were able to fulfill 14,583 of them. So 3,714 of the rides went unmet. And when cancer patients cannot receive treatment, their recovery can be disrupted and prolonged. Imagine facing the threat and fears of cancer, then having to worry about something as simple as finding a ride.

Those who are blessed with a strong network of family, friends, and neighbors may find it hard to appreciate the needs for some who are not as fortunate.

Volunteer drivers for the Road to Recovery program help to close this gap. They accept assignments to pick up cancer patients, drive them to treatment, and then back home.

To do this they first pass a background and insurance check, then receive training by the American Cancer Society, including how to use a ride-share site which allows volunteers to tailor their profile to show when and where they are able to give rides. The site allows volunteers to then see who needs rides that fit their criteria, and to sign up for as many rides as their schedule and finances allow. The American Cancer Society also provides on-call support for drivers who have questions and seek guidance.

Doing volunteer work for the benefit of others is its own reward. One significant benefit is meeting courageous people — with seemingly normal lives and fortitude showing an inordinate amount of courage and determination.

To become a driver for Road to Recovery, call 800-227- 2345 or visit cancer.org/drive.

Robert Van Lente

Portland

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